Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Wind power health effects queried by municipal group

Last Updated: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 | 12:13 PM AT

CBC News

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is asking Ottawa to fund more scientific research into the potential health effects of wind turbines.

The organization has asked the government to focus on two areas: low-frequency noise and electrical disturbances from industrial-scale wind developments. The issue was raised in September by three municipalities from Ontario at a national board of directors meeting.

"It's to ask the federal minister of health to look in to see if everything is OK for health and safety," federation president Basil Stewart told CBC News on Tuesday.

Stewart recently oversaw the approval of four wind turbines in his hometown of Summerside, P.E.I., which are expected to start producing power before the end of the month.

"I know we in Summerside followed all the provincial and federal regulations and guidelines," he said.

"FCM hasn't take a position on it because there are communities across the country for it and against it."

Stewart said there's been no word from Ottawa whether it will pay for new research into these areas.


http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2009/11/18/pei-wind-health-municipalities-584.html

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